Umbra did not flinch, his tall figure unbending in the face of the smothering presence of the gods surrounding him. They moved as one, their voices a low chant in a language from times primeval, weaving a seal so powerful it would surely defy comprehension. Umbra let it be so, head high, his eyes flashing defiance against the unimaginable.
And thus, the first phase of the sealing began. A trillion needles, too small to feel yet too sharp with an almost impossible-to-endure pain, materialized into the void. They plunged into every cell of his body, deep inside his flesh. Umbra tensed his muscles, but he didn't scream. He watched as the gods explained their cruel design.
These needles," said one of the gods; his voice was cold and detached, "are no ordinary tools. With each second that ticks by, they drain infinite energy from every cell in your body. Yes, your power transcends infinity itself, but even so, this will begin to diminish you.
